Your Guide to the Best Trails in the Ocoee River Corridor & Cherokee National Forest
Bigfoot Outfitters sits at the edge of one of the most trail-rich landscapes in the eastern United States. Step out of your cabin and you’re within easy reach of the Cherokee National Forest — a 650,000-acre wilderness crossed by more than 600 miles of hiking trails. Waterfalls that spill over 65-foot cliffs, a National Scenic Trail that rivals the Appalachian Trail, scenic overlooks of the Hiwassee River Gorge, short family-friendly walks, and quiet backcountry routes are all within a 45-minute drive of our property in Polk County, Tennessee.
This guide covers everything you need to pick the right hike for your visit — from easy waterfall strolls perfect for kids to full-day wilderness treks with vista payoffs. Use it to plan your days, then make Bigfoot Outfitters your basecamp for exploring it all.
Why the Ocoee River Corridor Is a Hiker’s Paradise
The Ocoee/Hiwassee Ranger District of the Cherokee National Forest is often overlooked in favor of the more famous Great Smoky Mountains National Park to the north, but for hikers this part of East Tennessee is a quiet treasure. The forest spans more than 650,000 acres with over 600 miles of hiking trails, and its two signature rivers — the Ocoee and the Hiwassee — carve dramatic gorges that provide some of the most rewarding vistas in the region.
The terrain is remarkably varied. You can hike along gentle creek-side paths, scramble up to ridgeline overlooks, walk behind 65-foot waterfalls, or follow historic copper-mining roads that once moved ore out of the mountains. Wildlife is abundant — deer, black bears, wild turkey, and dozens of bird species all make the forest their home — and because this area sees a fraction of the visitors that the Smokies do, you’ll often have the trail to yourself, especially on weekdays and outside of peak fall-color season.
Best Trails in the Tanasi System
Benton Falls — The Signature Hike
If you only have time for one hike in the Chilhowee area, make it Benton Falls. This 3.2-mile out-and-back trek leads to a stunning 65-foot waterfall and is widely considered the signature hike of the Ocoee River corridor. From the Chilhowee Recreation Area parking lot, take a left at the trailhead, follow the shoreline of McKamy Lake until you see the sign for Benton Falls Trail No. 131, then follow stone steps down to the base of the falls. A $3 day-use fee is required at the parking lot.
Benton Falls quick facts: 3.2 miles out-and-back | 318 ft elevation gain | Moderate difficulty | $3 day-use parking fee | Family-friendly
Benton MacKaye Trail — The Appalachian Trail’s Quieter Sister
If you’ve ever dreamed of hiking a long-distance trail without the crowds of the Appalachian Trail, the Benton MacKaye Trail is what you’re looking for. Named after the forester who first proposed the Appalachian Trail, this 300+ mile trail starts at Springer Mountain in Georgia (the same southern terminus as the AT) and winds through Tennessee and North Carolina to end in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It is currently being recommended for designation as a National Scenic Trail.
The Benton MacKaye Trail passes directly through the Ocoee River corridor and crosses the upper Ocoee River at Thunder Rock Campground. Because most thru-hikers take the Appalachian Trail instead, you’ll find wilderness scenery without crowds — long stretches where you won’t see another soul. The trail is marked by distinctive white diamond blazes.
Where to hop on near Bigfoot Outfitters: Parking is available at the Upper Ocoee Olympic Section on Highway 64. From there you can hike short sections as day trips, or plan multi-day backpacking trips that connect with other trails in the Cherokee National Forest.
Appalachian Trail Access
If the bucket-list item is the Appalachian Trail itself, it is easily reachable from Highway 64 for day hikes and short out-and-back trips. The AT section near the Ocoee corridor offers everything hikers love about America’s most famous footpath — white-blazed trails, ridgeline overlooks, and the satisfaction of stepping onto a 2,200-mile route.
John Muir National Recreation Trail
20 Miles Along the Hiwassee River
One of two National Recreation Trails in the Cherokee National Forest, the John Muir Trail follows the northern shore of the Hiwassee River for nearly 20 miles through some of the most photogenic country in southeastern Tennessee. The trail begins at Childers Creek near Reliance and follows the river’s wildest and most scenic stretch past Apalachia Powerhouse, Big Rock Island, and the towering cliffs of the Hiwassee River Gorge. Much of it shares the path with the Benton MacKaye Trail.
The Best Section: Big Bend to Coker Creek
For hikers willing to commit to a full day, the section from Big Bend Recreation Area to the Coker Creek footbridge is often called one of the most beautiful day hikes in the entire Cherokee National Forest. The 14.2-mile round trip climbs over McCulley Mountain, drops back down to the river past rugged cascades known as The Narrows, and culminates at a spectacular overlook of the Hiwassee River Gorge near Coker Creek — a vista that has to be seen to be believed.
Trail quick facts: 14.2 miles out-and-back | Duration: 7–8 hours | Difficulty: moderate | Trail blazes: white diamonds (BMT) and white blazes (JMT) | Best in winter for river views through bare trees
Getting there: From Reliance, TN, follow Childers Creek Road east for 1.2 miles, then turn right onto Powerhouse Road. Continue 1.1 miles to the Big Bend Recreation Area. A small hiker parking area is another 0.1 miles farther.
Shorter option: If 14+ miles is too much, start at Towee Creek Trailhead instead and shave off roughly 2.4 miles.
Benton Falls
The most famous waterfall in the area. 3.2 miles round trip to a 65-foot cascade in the Chilhowee Recreation Area. Moderate difficulty, perfect for families, $3 parking fee. See the Chilhowee section above for details.
Goforth Creek Trail
A 3.7-mile dog-friendly out-and-back hike near Turtle Town, TN. Moderate-to-challenging with a babbling creek and waterfall payoff. The trail can have overgrowth and fallen trees, so be ready for some light bushwhacking if you’re bringing small children. A secluded option with swimming holes at several points.
Gee Creek Falls
2.7 miles out-and-back near Delano, TN. The first two-thirds is easy, but the last third requires scrambling and climbing to reach the final view. The falls change personality with the seasons — sometimes twin cascades, other times a full curtain of gushing water depending on flow. Dog-friendly. Free parking with space for 10–12 vehicles.
Turtletown Falls
A 5.2-mile out-and-back hike near Farner, TN with multiple waterfalls along the route. Moderate-to-challenging — the trail can be slippery and hard to follow in places, so good hiking boots and a downloaded map are recommended.
Conasauga Falls
At 1.3 miles round trip, this is one of the shortest waterfall hikes in the area and great for anyone wanting a quick reward. Located near Tellico Plains, TN. The falls have a small swimming hole at the base — perfect for cooling off on a summer hike.
Lowry Falls
A 3-mile hike near Reliance, TN with verdant forest and a beautiful waterfall. Moderate difficulty. The trail is just a short walk from Highway 30, making it one of the easiest waterfalls to add to a day of exploring the Hiwassee area.
Coker Creek Falls
Accessible via the Coker Creek Falls Trailhead on Duckett Ridge Road (also reachable via the John Muir Trail section described above). A classic area waterfall that rewards a moderate hike.